3. How might a patient with Wernicke’s aphasia describe the same image (from question 2 above) of three people in a kitchen?

4. fMRI is one of the most widely known brain imagining techniques. However, it is not the best technique to use in certain scenarios. Describe a situation in which researchers would need to use an imaging technique other than fMRI.

5. Are biological or environmental factors a greater influence on how we learn language?

6. Do you believe in the critical period hypothesis? Why or why not? Give evidence from your own language learning experiences.

Writing Challenge

Many of us know people who seem to pick up languages effortlessly. Ask your students to interviewsomeone that they believe to be a successful language learner. In particular, they should ask their interviewees to describe how they were able to master their new language(s).

Following the interview, students will write an essay or blog post that 1. summarizes the information gathered in the interview and 2. reflects on whether or not language learning abilities could be wired in our DNA/brains.

Alternative assignment for students without someone to interview: Have them search YouTube for videos of 3 polyglots who describe how they have successfully learned multiple languages. Using the information from these videos, students will complete the same writing prompt as those who have chosen the interview option.